Applying Generalizability Theory to the Self-Compassion Scale to Examine State and Trait Aspects and Generalizability of
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Applying Generalizability Theory to the Self-Compassion Scale to Examine State and Trait Aspects and Generalizability of Assessment Scores Oleg N. Medvedev 1
&
Anastasia T. Dailianis 2 & Yoon-Suk Hwang 3 & Christian U. Krägeloh 2 & Nirbhay N. Singh 4
Accepted: 12 October 2020 # Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Objectives Self-compassion has become increasingly recognized for its benefits to human health and well-being, but continued work is required to achieve its accurate assessment in the context of research and psychological treatment. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is widely referred to as a trait measure, although the scale’s ability to differentiate between state and trait has not been thoroughly examined using suitable methods. The aim of this study was to use generalizability theory (G Theory) to distinguish state and trait aspects and evaluate generalizability of assessment scores. Methods The present study utilized G Theory in a longitudinal nested design, using an existing dataset of Australian-based educators (n = 124) randomized into intervention (mindfulness/self-compassion) and control group and assessed using the SCSShort Form (SCS-SF) at baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 6 weeks. Results The robust psychometric properties of the SCS-SF as a trait measure were confirmed by strong temporal stability and generalizability of scores across occasions and sample population (G = 0.89) with only a minor proportion of state-related variance (SCI = 0.11). The majority of individual items clearly measured self-compassion as a trait. Conclusions The study findings unequivocally demonstrated that the SCS-SF is a valid and reliable measure of trait selfcompassion with scores generalizable across sample population and occasions. If significant changes of the SCS-SF scores are observed in individuals as a result of intervention, such changes are likely to be long lasting. Keywords Mindfulness . State and trait . Measurement . Self-Compassion Scale . Generalizability theory
Self-compassion is a recently introduced psychological construct that emerges from, and builds on, the practice of mindfulness-based therapies (Neff and Germer 2018). Essentially, self-compassion entails extending the same kindness and understanding to oneself as one would offer to a good friend (Neff 2003a). Similar to mindfulness, the selfcompassion construct has its roots in Buddhist meditation, and has become widely recognized for its benefits to human
* Oleg N. Medvedev [email protected] 1
School of Psychology, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
2
Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
3
Centre for Disability Studies, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
4
Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
health and well-being (Neff et al. 2018). Neff (2003a) began researching the mechanisms and benefits of self-compassion as a healthy alternative to self-esteem, which has a n
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